Damar
The only natural substance still used for making varnishes for pictures because it yellows much less than other natural resins and is very durable. Damar is a malay word referring to the tree it comes from in South East Asia. The resin is named by its origin or shipping point, the best being Singapore grade A or Sumatra 1A. It can be bought ready made or the artist can easily make it up using this standard formula: dissolve 350g damar resin in 600ml Gum Turpentine, do not substitute with Mineral Turps. This is a better mix than most ready made commercial grades. Never purchase Damar Varnish from a hardware store under any circumstances.
